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Today I’m jumping into the time maker turning the clocks back to 2004 when I first picked up my rescue dog, Linus and also the first time I thought about getting a second dog.
When I was a kid my mother read me Where the Red fern Grows (affiliate link) and ever considering that then I always wanted two dogs: a brother (Old Dan) and a his little sister (Little Ann).
However, after doing a ton of research and reading several books on raising and training puppies I made a decision that picking up two puppies at the same time was probably not the best idea.
I guess I wouldn’t be living my childhood dream to be like little Billy Colman and his two Coonhounds.
So how did I end up with two dogs? Keep reading to find out!
Why Not two Puppies?
Be careful! Your two charming puppies could end up being a two-headed MONSTER!
Before finding Linus at our local shelter I researched the lots of different pet dog breeds and studied everything from potty training to basic obedience to crate training.
I was prepared to adopt my first puppy and during this time I learned that two puppies was not necessarily twice the fun.
I can tell you now from experience that raising one puppy takes up nearly all of your time and tests your patience to the limit. Now lets consider two puppies.
Two pups require extra attention as they must be coddled and trained separately within your home otherwise you risk the two pups bonding to each other a lot more than they bond with you.
Now think of trying to housetrain two puppies at the same time…can you say, “twice as lots of accidents in the house!”
While Snoopy from Snoopy’s pet dog blog would be thrilled to hear all of the mischief surrounding two puppies I don’t think I could put up with a lot more than one mischievous puppy at a time.
The Temptation Of two Puppies
As fate would have it when I went to our local animal shelter and found Linus low and behold he was lying ideal next to his sister. She was a stunning tri-color Australian Shepherd mix.
She looked much a lot more like an Aussie than Linus who was all black. I was very tempted to bring them both home with me, but made a decision to stick with the experts recommendations and wait at least a year before getting a second dog.
Should I get A second Dog?
First take a gander at this terrific video from family pets add Life (PAL) showing why “Pets need a friend to talk to”.
When Linus was about 2 years old I made a decision just like the video that he needed a friend to speak to and play with.
I started by fostering puppies and dogs for one of our local pet dog rescues called Cuddly Canines.
I was probably within inches of adopting one of our German Shepherd foster pups, but all 7 found homes fairly swiftly and I was delighted to see the smiles on each family that brought home a pup.
In the end I started volunteering as a puppy raiser for guide Dogs of America.
After my first puppy in training, Stetson was occupation changed I ended up adopting him as my forever pet.
It was a long journey to a household with two dogs. Our city only allows each household to have three total dogs and so I have not yet adopted another pet dog as I still volunteer as a guide pet dog puppy raiser and also as a foster.
So even though I have only two dogs of my own I typically have three dogs living at my house.
What about Doggy Number Three?
There’s always that possibility that I might end up with doggy number three maybe keeping one of my fosters or another occupation changed guide dog. After all there are so lots of benefits to owning a pet or two or three ?
If you’re seeking to add that second or third pet dog I highly recommend adopting from your local shelter or rescue.
Across the country there are millions of homeless family pets who need your help. From puppies to kittens to senior cats and dogs (and anywhere in between). Furry, scaly, big, or small all homeless family pets should have a second chance.
Pets add Life (PAL) put together a Facebook Pledge Page to help these homeless family pets by asking people to take action now! Take a look, make a pledge, and please share with your pals and family. Here’s a link to the PAL Facebook Pledge Page.
Does your pet dog or pet need a friend? Are you thinking about getting a second dog? How lots of family pets do you have in your house? Tell us all about your family pets in the comment section below.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the family pets add Life campaign and the American Pet products Association. We are being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership.
Top picks For Our Puppies
BEST PUPPY toy We Like: Calmeroos Puppy toy w/ heartbeat and heat Packs – best for new puppies. helps ease anxiety in their new home.
BEST pet dog CHEW We Like: Bones & Chews Bully Sticks – all of our pnull